MECC Link - Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

• Compare different electricity/gas deals by using a OFGEM 'Confidence Code Accreditation' price comparison service

• The Citizen Advice Guide has a useful guide on 'How to Compare Energy Tariffs'

• You can get help and advice on how you could benefit from heating and insulation measures from the Energy Advice Service on 0300 1231234  

• Your energy supplier may provide a service called the 'Warm Home Discount scheme' which pays £140 either to your electricity account or vouchers to top up your electricity meter.  You will need to contact your electricity supplier to see if you meet their eligibility criteria

• People aged 60 or over, disabled people or those who suffer from a chronic illness, are entitled to a range of services, by signing up for free to their energy suppliers Priority Service Register.  The Priority Service Register has also been recently extended to include:
  • Customers with certain mental health conditions which impact on them understanding their bill
  • Customers who cannot top up their pre-payment meter due to injury
  • Temporary circumstances where a customer needs extra support for a limited amount of time
  • Details of how to join can be found on the reverse of your energy bill

• If you don't know who your current gas and electricity supplier is, this can be checked by contacting:
  • For Gas - Meter Point Reference Line - 0870 6081524
  • For Electricity - Northern Powergrid - 0845 0707172

• Better Homes Yorkshire on 0808 1592909 has been created to help residents across Yorkshire pay less for energy and live in healthier, warmer homes. Residents in participating Local Authority area will be able to take advantage of the latest Government funded options to make efficiency improvement works to their homes, this is open to homeowners, private tenants and landlords in the following councils: Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, Barnsley, Wakefield, York, Craven, Harrogate and Selby

• If you are experiencing difficulties paying your gas/or electricity bill or have an energy debt then you should contact your supplier in the first instance.  Other impartial advice is available from the National debtline 0808 808 4000 or from the StepChange debt Charity 0800 138 1111.

Preparing for Colder Weather

• From keeping your house warm to protecting yourself from common ailments, find out how to stay healthy this winter on NHS Choices.
  

Local Support Services

Hull Warm Zone

Hull Warm Zone can provide help to reduce the cost of keeping warm by providing grants, advice and support. Home owners and private tenants can access funding for - cavity wall and loft insulation, central heating systems and boiler replacements.

Tel: 01482 300300 / 01482 612908

Email: WarmZoneEnquiries@hullcc.gov.uk

Website: http://www.hull.gov.uk/housing/private-tenants-and-homeowners/energy-efficiency-and-affordable-warmth

If you live in a council property HWZ can flag up issues with HCC's Housing Department on your behalf.

Self-care and National Support Services

NATIONAL SUPPORT

Do you think you would benefit from some further support to reduce your drinking to 'lower risk' levels?

• Speak to your GP, a loved one or call Drinkline 0300 1231110 (Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm). The Drinkline service provides free, confidential, accurate and consistent information and advice to callers who are concerned about their own or someone else`s drinking regardless of the caller`s age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or spirituality
• Download the 'One You' drinks tracker makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback) available on itunes or google play
• Get further information from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

SELF CARE 

Further tips on cutting down

Make a plan
Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you're going to drink.

Set a budget
Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.

Let them know
If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and it's important to you, you could get support from them.

Take it a day at a time
Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.

Make it a smaller one
You can still enjoy a drink, but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.

Have a lower-strength drink
Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You'll find this information on the bottle.

Stay hydrated
Have a glass of water before you have alcohol and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a soft drink.

Take a break
Have several drink-free days each week.  

Local Support Services

ReNew

ReNew - Hull

Our drug and alcohol services support adults to understand the risks their drug or alcohol use pose to their health and wellbeing, and support them to reduce or stop their use safely.

Tel: 01482 620013

Email: Earlyhelp.hull@cgl.org.uk

Web: www.changegrowlive.org/content/hull-renew

ReFresh

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

Dementia Connect 

Dementia Connect, Alzheimer's Society's dementia support service, is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support. From local help to phone and online advice. 

Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia advisers can support you directly by phone or face to face, as well as connect you to a range of local services.

Web: Dementia Connect for healthcare professionals | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

 

Dementia Toolkit

This set of resources is based on research, and the expert experiences of people with dementia and their carers.

Web: Living with Dementia Toolkit

 

The NHS

It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP. 

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis/

 

The Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.

Web: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

The dementia guide: Living well after your diagnosis

Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide

Tel: Dementia Connect Support Line: 0333 150 3456

 

Other Key links

Dementia UK - Dementia Helpline (support from dementia specialist admiral nurses):  0800 888 6678

Tide - Together In Dementia Everyday: Telephone: 0151 237 2669 Email: Carers@tide.uk.net

Carers UK- Making life better for carers: Telephone: 020 7378 4999

 

Self Care

We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

For good heart health:

• don’t smoke
• keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control
• be active and exercise regularly
• maintain a healthy weight
• eat a healthy balanced diet
• drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Web: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/reducing-the-risk/

Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. 

Carers and / or relatives and friends can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing individual such as the contact numbers, medication needed, locations the person was last seen and so forth also a photograph can be provided. 

West Yorkshire Police - The Herbert Protocol Missing Person Incident Form | West Yorkshire Police - For patients known to wander

South Yorkshire Police - Herbert Protocol - SYP (southyorks.police.uk)

North Yorkshire Police - Dementia and the Herbert Protocol - North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police

Humberside Police - The Herbert Protocol | Humberside Police

Please see below for more information and contact details in your local area. 

Local Support Services

Alzheimer’s Society

Alzheimer’s Society provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by dementia. Whether you are worried about your memory, living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia we can support you.

We also have informal groups across the area for people affected by dementia and the Carers Information and Support Programme, which is specifically for carers – for more details about these please contact the local service.

Tel: 01482 211255

Email: hulleastriding@alzheimers.org.uk 

Hull City Council Support for Carers

As well as involving you as a carer in the planning of support for the person you care for, we will make sure you can access the information and advice you need and offer you an assessment of your needs. You may also be eligible for support services in your own right if your caring role is having a significant impact on your life.

Tel: 01482 300 300

Web: Home (connecttosupport.org) 

Email: socialservices@hullcc.gov.uk 

Address: Hull City Council, HU1 2AA

Memory Loss Support Group

Whether you have dementia, or you care for someone who has dementia, we are here to help you and guide you through your journey.

Tel: 07821519212 

Web: Butterflies - Memory Loss Support Group

Email: info@butterflies.org.uk 

Address: 3rd Floor, Stonefield House, 16-20 King Edward St, Hull HU1 3SS

North Yorkshire Police - Herbert Protocol 

The Herbert Protocol is an initiative introduced by West Yorkshire Police and other agencies which encourages carers to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.

Carers, family members and friends can complete, in advance, a form recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc.  In the event of your family member or friend going missing, the form can be easily sent or handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information.

Web: Dementia and the Herbert Protocol - North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police

 

 

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

There is a wealth of information and ways to prevent falls on the following websites

• Saga - Discover ways to stay fit at https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/health-wellbeing/wellbeing/falls-guide

• Age Uk - Information on falls prevention, exercise classes and handyman services in some areas.  Call free on 0800 169 6565 or see https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/fitness/falls-prevention/

• The effective assessment of an individual’s risk of a fall would be a multifactorial intervention considering falls history, visual impairment etc. This assessment would enable the referral of an individual to effective interventions targeted at specific risk factors

• Your GP may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you're taking, in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling. Your GP may also recommend:
  • having a sight test if you're having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses 
  • having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing
  • requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and offer
  • advice doing exercises to improve your strength and balance (try some exercises for older people)

• NHS Choices - Find this leaflet and other resources at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-your-bones-strong-over-65/

Local Support Services

Hull Falls Prevention Service

The Hull Fall Prevention Service provides a multi-disciplinary health assessment aimed at identifying reasons for falls and providing intervention plans which focus on minimising risks of further falls. The interventions that follow are jointly agreed between the service and the client. The service can be accessed via a single point of contact. Clients registered with a Hull GP can access this service.

Tel: 01482 247111

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

• The Public Health England 'One You' Website contains a wealth of information on different food choices and healthy recipes

• Visit the healthy eating page on the 'Change for Life' website which has loads of great information about food and drink swaps for a healthier diet.

• Try the new 'Be Food Smart app'! See how much sugar, sat fat and salt is really inside your food and drink - just by scanning the barcode from your mobile phone, Android and Iphone Apps available.

• Visit the recipes page on 'Change for Life' has a  extensive list of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and lunchboxes!

• NHS Choices has a useful list of tips on how to add your 5 a day into your daily meals

 

Local Support Services

For local opportunities, online tools and self help resources (plus information about the Weightwise service for the very overweight), please click on the link below:

http://www.hull.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/childrens-health/healthy-weight

Self-care and National Support Services

If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.

Whilst there are some amazing national services available, we recommend a local first approach.  A list of local services can be found at the foot of this text

Street Link is a national service which can be used by members of the public if they see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made using the hotline (0300 500 0914) or online at Street Link.

This service aims to connect rough sleepers with appropriate services, both statutory and voluntary. Local resources for rough sleepers vary greatly across the country. They can include day centres, contact and assessment teams, soup kitchens and soup runs. Details of such resources can often be obtained by contacting local authorities.

Street assessment teams give rough sleepers information about available health care, night shelters and hostels, and other resources for homeless people. Some hostels and night shelters will only take referrals from a contact and assessment team worker. Some outreach teams will work with people on a long-term basis.

Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness can be found at: www.homelessuk.org/

Not sure which local authority area to choose?  If you know a postcode you can check which local authority area here.

Local Support Services

Hull City Council Housing Options Team

If a person has nowhere to stay, are under threat of homelessness or it is not safe for them to remain in their current property they can ring the Housing Options Team for support:

Tel:  01482 612 040 Monday to Thursday - 9am to 5pm Fridays 9am to 4.30pm. Call 01482 300 304 for out of hours requests and an officer will help you. 

If a person does do not have access to a phone, you can attend The Wilson Centre where you will be able to use a phone to contact the Housing Options Team.

Address: The Wilson Centre, Alfred Gelder St, Hull HU1 2AG

Web: https://www.hull.gov.uk/housing/homelessness/if-you-become-homeless

Homeless Link - Doorstep of Hull

The service offers accommodation and homelessness support. Support includes help with claiming benefits, budgeting and other daily living skills. Referrals to specialist agencies as necessary, e.g. around drug or alcohol problems. Residents may move from communal units to self contained units during their stay.

The service accepts people aged 16+ and will accept self referral and referrals from any agency.

Tel: 01482 345006 Office hours Mon to Friday 9am-5pm. Phones are manned 24hours a day but referrals can only be processed during office hours.

Email: admin@doorstep.org.uk

Address: 151 Fairfax Avenue, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU5 4QZ

Web: http://www.doorstep.org.uk/

Self-care and National Support Services

Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support

If you are worried that this person is in crisis, please see section for Suicide Prevention

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

Encourage them to ring:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Papyrus - (Young people)

Tel: 0800 068 41 41

Text: 07786209697

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Opening hours
Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm

SELF CARE 

• Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available

• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meetings take place regularly in different locations across the region, where applicable these can be found in the local support and contact details section.
• For Men -CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer accredited, confidential and free support to men anywhere in the UK through a helpline and web and webchat service.  They talk through any issue with you and offer support, advice and signposting.
• Quell - Free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK
• Kooth - is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous support, for 11-25 year olds
  

Every Mind Matters

‘Every Mind Matters’ is the first national mental health campaign from Public Health England

• It’s an NHS-approved digital hub full of expert advice and practical tips to achieve good mental health
• It also has a free NHS-approved online tool - ‘Your Mind Plan’ to help us:
• deal with stress
• boost our mood
• improve our sleep
• feel more in control.

Search online for 'Every Mind Matters'

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Support Services - Adults

Adults can self-refer to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. IAPT is a national NHS programme, which offers evidence based psychological therapies or interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). IAPT is primarily for treating people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

IAPT treatments are delivered via a stepped care model where patients are initially offered low intensity therapies, such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and guided self-help. If these treatments are unsuccessful, or not appropriate for individuals, higher intensity therapies are utilised and include one to one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Please see local support and contact details for further information.

Support Services - Veterans

Veterans Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans. They offer free, confidential 24-hour support to Service and ex-Service personnel who are experiencing mental health issues, including feeling suicidal.

Tel: 0800 138 1619

Web: https://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-you

Support Services - Perinatal

PANDAS Foundation

The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.

Tel: 0843 2898401 (0900 - 2000 hrs, 7 days per week)

Web: http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/

Support Services - Carers

The Carers Trust

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else's health.  Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care after too.  The website contains some helpful guides on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.

Support Services - Children and Young People

Children and Young People can contact the 'The Mix which is a leading support service that can help young people to take on any challenge they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. 

• Tel: 0808 0808 4994 (Freephone)
• Web: http://www.themix.org.uk/

For Parents

YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline, which parents/careers can call if they are worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving.  They also run a group called Parents Say, for parents whose children are accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Web: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Talk about the Five Ways to Wellbeing.  The mental health equivalent to the dietary advice to have ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegetables for physical health.

1. Connect - With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.

• As being well connected is good for your mental wellbeing… Is there anything you could be doing more of?
• Can you think of connections that you would like to make or remake?

2. Be Active - Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity that you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

• What activities do you engage in on a regular basis? How would I like to develop this?
• Are there any minor adjustments you can make in your life that can help you to be more active?

3. Take Notice -  Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. 

• How can you practice slowing down and pausing more often?
• What difference will incorporating this into your daily life make?

4. Keep Learning - Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. 

• What would you like to learn about? What interests you? What do you value? What would you find useful?
• What do you need to do to make learning something you look forward to?

5. Give - Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. 

• Do you notice what it’s like for you when you give to others?
• What else could you give others that you hadn’t thought of before?

Local Support Services

In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust - Mental Health Advice and Support Line

Tel: For individuals in crisis: 0800 138 0990 (24hrs/7 days a week)

Lets Talk Hull - (Self-Referral or via GP)

Lets Talk can offer help with low mood, anxiety, sleep problems, stress, worry, low confidence and emotional problems. You can self refer via phone or book your assessment appointment online.

Tel: 01482 247 111 or text TALK to 61825

Web: http://www.letstalkhull.org.uk

Connect Well Hull

Connect Well Hull offers advice and will help you to access support and guidance on a range of issues, including:

• Helping you with physical conditions or emotional difficulties
• Helping you to feel more linked in with your community
• Helping you on issues such as money, benefits or housing
• Helping you to get active and feel better

Tel: 01482 217670

Web: www.connectwellhull.org.uk 

or email: enquiries@connectwellhull.org.uk

Hull & East Yorkshire MIND

MIND offers support and information to anyone experiencing mental health difficulties.

Tel: 01482 240133

Web: http://heymind.org.uk

Andy's Man Club

Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing. Meets Every Monday at 7PM - Except Bank Holidays at the The Airco Business Lounge, Hull, HU3 4DL.  http://andysmanclub.co.uk/where-we-meet/

Self-care and National Support Services

Self-Care - Adults

Healthy brushing advice: (Click here for further information)

• brush at least twice daily, last thing at night and at least on one other occasion with a fluoridated toothpaste
• spit out after brushing and do not rinse (Spit, Don’t Rinse!), to maintain fluoride concentration levels
• use fluoridated toothpaste (1,350-1,500ppm fluoride)

Eat Well (See Act section of MECC Link – Healthy Eating)

Quit Smoking (See Act section of MECC Link - Smoking)

Reduce your Alcohol intake (See Act section of MECC Link - Alcohol)

Finding a dentist

Routine dental care:

• The NHS website enables you to find local NHS services, including dentists. You will need to contact the dental practice directly and check whether they are currently accepting NHS patients

Urgent dental care:

• call your dentist: some practices offer appointments at short notice
• if you don't have a dentist, find one using NHS 111

Self-Care Children

Healthy brushing advice: (Click here for further information)

• brush at least twice daily, last thing at night and at least on one other occasion with a fluoridated toothpaste
• spit out after brushing and do not rinse (Spit, Don’t Rinse!), to maintain fluoride concentration levels
• use fluoridated toothpaste:
  • Children aged up to 3 years: use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000 parts per million fluoride
  • Children aged over 3 years use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 -1500 parts per million fluoride

Try and keep within the recommended intake of free sugars which is no more than:

• 19g (5 sugar cubes) per day for 4 to 6 year olds
• 24g (6 sugar cubes) per day for 6 to 10 year olds
• 30g (7 sugar cubes) per day for 11 years and older

Finding a dentist

Routine dental care:

• The NHS website enables you to find local NHS services, including dentists. You will need to  contact the dental practice directly and check whether they are currently accepting NHS patients
• Take your child to the dentist when their first teeth come through
• Take your child with you when you visit the dentist, so they may receive preventive dental care

Urgent dental care:

• call your dentist: some practices offer appointments at short notice
• if you don't have a dentist, find one using NHS 111

Local Support Services

Starting Well

The NHS England Starting Well programme is a national programme and Hull is one of the 13 priority areas with the aim to improve access to NHS dental services by children under 5 years old and improve children’s oral health. We know around 39% of children in Hull experience tooth decay with some experiencing toothache, difficulties eating, speaking and socialising,  with time off school and nurseries. Children should be taken to the dentist regularly from their first tooth erupting and before their 1st birthday.

Starting Well dental practices are now booking appointments for children under 5 years old. They will receive regular examinations, important advice to help protect your child’s teeth and possible fluoride varnish application. We know that fluoride varnish helps prevent tooth decay. Please do speak to the dental practice to enquire if they will provide regular dental care for other family members.  

If you do not have a regular dentist please contact one of the Starting Well practices from the list below -

• 543 Dental Centre, Anlaby Road, Hull  Tel – 565488   
• Bupa Dental Care, 204 Holderness Road, Hull  Tel – 374377    
• My Dentist, 239-243 Newland Avenue, Hull  Tel – 337070     
• My Dentist, 822 Holderness Road, Hull  Tel – 783611    
• My Dentist, 1133 Hessle High Road, Hull  Tel – 347350  
• Ayer Dental, 396 Anlaby Road, Hull  Tel – 506004
• Church Street Dental, 104 Church Street, Sutton  Tel – 799888   
• Rejuvadent, 15 Freetown Way, Hull  Tel – 223716

Self-care and National Support Services

 Self Care

• If you don't do anything, do something. if exercise didn’t involve a whole lot of self-motivation and actual physical activity, but instead came in a pill, it would be hailed immediately as “a wonder drug” such are the health benefits involved. 
• Public Health England's One You campaign supports adults by encouraging physical activity at a local level. A range of personalised tools are available via the How Are You online quiz, which has been completed by over 1 million people since it launched in March 2016.  
• The 'One You' Couch to 5k phone app has been designed to help get people off the couch and running in just 9 weeks.
• The 'One You' Active 10 phone app show you how how much brisk walking you do and helps to show you how you can fit a ten minute brisk walk into your day. It breaks this brisk walking down into manageable chunks of ten minutes and encourages at least one session every day (which equates to 70 minutes a week). Users can set their own goals and the app encourages people to progress up to 30 brisk minutes of walking per day, to meet the 150 minutes recommended by the Chief Medical Officer
• Why not join a Parkrun in your local area? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is that you can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome.  For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ for more information.

Local Support Services

Hull Culture and Leisure

We offer first class sport and leisure facilities for both casual and club users. We have swimming pools, multi-purpose sports halls, an athletics stadium and new outdoor tennis court at Costello Stadium, the region’s largest ice rink and the regions only cycle track. We also have outdoor all weather pitches suitable for hockey, football and general training practices.

If you enjoy being outdoors we have over 100 parks, playing fields and playgrounds as well as an aviary, conservatory and animal compound. Hull's parks are beautiful, relaxing spaces which play host to a range of activities and events to be enjoyed by people of all ages, whether it's a picnic, a kick about or a day out with the family.

Web: https://www.hcandl.co.uk/sport-and-leisure-and-parks

Active Humber

Active Humber has information about hundreds of sporting activities, sports clubs and the voluntary and community sector on offer across Hull and the Humber region

Tel: 01482 300 300

Web: http://www.activehumber.co.uk/

Connect Well Hull

Connect Well Hull offers advice and will help you to access support and guidance on a range of issues, including:

• Helping you with physical conditions or emotional difficulties
• Helping you to feel more linked in with your community
• Helping you on issues such as money, benefits or housing
• Helping you to get active and feel better

Tel: 01482 217670

Web: www.connectwellhull.org.uk 

or email: enquiries@connectwellhull.org.uk

Parkrun - Hull (Humber Bridge, East Park and Peter Pan Park)

Why not join a Parkrun in Hull? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is that you can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome.  For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ for more information.

Self-care and National Support Services

• Problem gambling is often described as a hidden addiction and some people may have gone to great lengths to hide this. Where the person has highlighted that problem gambling may be affecting them and/or the people around them.

Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support

Northern Gambling Service

We’re here to provide specialist addiction therapy and recovery to people affected by gambling addiction, as well as those with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidal feelings. We also provide intervention to people close to those with gambling addiction, such as family, partners, and carers.

We’re a clinical team made up of psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses. There is also access to experts by experience, who have recovered from gambling addiction. We are based in Leeds, Sunderland and Manchester

Tel: 0300 300 1490

Email: referral.ngs@nhs.net

Web: https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/northern-gambling-service/

 

BeGambleAware

The BeGambleAware website has a short series of questions you can complete if you are concerned about your gambling.  This has direct link to help, support and advice about problem gambling.  The National Gambling Helpline can be contact on 0808 8020 133

Web: https://www.begambleaware.org/gambling-problems/do-i-have-a-gambling-problem/

 

The National Gambling Helpline                                         

Tel: 0808 8020 133    

The Helpline provides confidential advice, information and emotional support throughout Great Britain to anyone experiencing problems with gambling. (Available 8am to midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year).                                                                                    

The NetLine provides confidential advice, information and emotional support throughout Great Britain to anyone experiencing problems with gambling. The NetLine is an online text ‘chat’ service, where the ‘caller’ and advisor talk by typing to each other. This is offered on a one to one basis. The service can accessed via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop PC. As well as reading what the adviser types, the adviser can also send the caller documents and links to read later. (Available 8am to midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year on the GamCare website). 

The GamCare Forum is an online message board, providing a safe and secure space for users (who may be gamblers or their partners, friends and family) to share experiences, thoughts and feelings about problem gambling. Although the Forum is moderated by the GamCare Team, it is designed first and foremost for people to come together in similar situations, working through similar concerns and problems. (Available 24/7 via the GamCare website, 365 days a year). 

We run regular sessions in the GamCare online Chatroom, where users can use live text chat to talk about issues related to problem gambling. Our Chatroom is a welcoming, friendly, safe and supportive environment. Each session is moderated by a GamCare Adviser, who is welcoming and on hand to ensure everyone is supported.

 

GamCare Treatment Services:                                           

GamCare provides local services for people concerned about their own gambling and for people affected by someone else’s gambling.

People can refer themselves or be referred by another professional. Following assessment we provide individually tailored support through 1-1 sessions and groups or courses. We work holistically to enhance opportunities for people to make changes in their own gambling. We support affected others by providing a safe space for them to recognise and increase their coping skills.                

                                                           

GamCare Youth Services  

Young people may be problem gamblers themselves or affected by another person’s gambling. Our full treatment services are offered to anyone 16 years or older, available through our regional partner networks.

Young people of any age can speak to our specially trained advisers on our helpline and net line and use our information and activities on bigdeal.org.uk

As of April 2018, GamCare will have a Youth Outreach Hub in Hull and the surrounding areas. This will offer free workshops for schools and youth groups, and free CPD training for youth-facing professionals.

Tel: 0808 8020 133

Web: https://www.bigdeal.org.uk

Youth Outreach: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/register-young-people-training

 

Gamblers Anonymous

Runs local support groups for people with gambling addictions and advocates the same 12-step approach to recovery as Alcoholics Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous also offers help and support via their website, including a forum, chat room and literature. Anyone who is seeking help for gambling addiction is able to attend meetings.

Web: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/

 

Gam-Anon

Is an organisation dedicated to supporting the husbands, wives, partners, relatives or close friends of someone with a gambling problem who have also been affected by the problem. Like Gamblers Anonymous, meetings are held throughout the country, with online support also available.

Tel: 08700 50 88 80

Web: http://gamanon.org.uk/

Where the person has indicated that problem gambling may be affecting their physical and mental health and wellbeing. (This could include anxiety/depression, low mood, stress, use of alcohol as a coping mechanism etc)

• Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways whilst they seek help for any associated gambling problems.

• MECC Link has dedicated content for a range of national and local support services for Mental and Physical Health.
  • https://www.mecclink.co.uk/alcohol/
  • https://www.mecclink.co.uk/mental-wellbeing/
  • https://www.mecclink.co.uk/social-isolation-and-loneliness/

• If you believe the person is highly destressed or in crisis, consider offering details for Samaritans as a safe place to talk any time they like.
• Samaritans - (All age groups)
• Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Where the person has indicated debt or financial concerns as an additional factor

Debt advice - Citizens Advice      

Citizens Advice offers free, independent, confidential and impartial debt advice through their web chat service.                                 

Tel: 0300 330 1313                            

Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money

                                                                      

Debt advice - Step Change Charity               

StepChange Debt Remedy provides expert advice, budget support and solutions to help someone manage their debts.                   

Tel: 0800 138 1111, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm                                              

Web: http://www.stepchange.org

 

Where the personal has indicated that they would like more information on self-exclusion from bookmakers or online gambling sites.

National self-exclusion schemes

New multi-operator schemes are being introduced across the five main sectors of the gambling industry to allow you to exclude yourself from each of those forms of gambling across the whole of Great Britain.

Web: http://optintoselfexclude.info/

 

Individual gambling sectors self-exclusion schemes

(Bookmakers, Casinos’, Bingo venues and Arcades also offer exclusion schemed for more information click the link below:

Web: https://www.begambleaware.org/stay-in-control/how-to-self-exclude/

 

Online sector self-exclusion and blocking software

If you want to self-exclude from an online (remote) gambling company then you will need to contact each of the companies with which you hold an account. This can usually be done on the responsible gambling pages of the website. You can also get email addresses and telephone numbers for online gambling companies that are part of the Remote Gambling Association here

If you are worried about online gambling then you can download a 'site blocker', which can block access to on line gambling sites. You can find further information on blocking software here

Local Support Services

Gamcare offers localised treatment via a network of partner organisations, for which Gamcare is the lead. All partners work to the same model of care and offer comparable services

Krysallis

Krysallis provide specialist counselling for problem gamblers and their families on behalf of GamCare. GamCare counselling is available to anyone who feels they have a gambling problem, and also to anyone who is affected by the impact of gambling, for example family members of gamblers. We also offer counselling for couples

Tel: 01423 857939 

Web: http://www.krysallis.org.uk/request-gamcare-counselling.html 

Self-care and National Support Services

Provide the details in the Self-Care section below and offer support to help navigate and access the local services – most services have moved to initial contact via phone due to the pandemic, with some elements accessed online (see specific area for contact details/ websites).

 Self-Care

• For information about sexual health, STIs, HIV and contraception visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/ or https://www.startswithme.org.uk/ or https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/

• The Sexual Health Helpline provides advice and information on all aspects of sexual health, call free on 0300 123 7123 (open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday 11am to 4pm). Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.

This website https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/ is designed to help people decide which method of contraception might suit them best and provides honest information on the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Local Support Services

Sexual Health Advice - MESMAC

Yorkshire MESMAC provides free confidential sexual health information, advice and services to adults and young people in Hull.

Tel: 01482 291190

Website: https://www.mesmac.co.uk/our-services/hull

Our services include:

• Free condoms and lube
• Free, rapid and confidential HIV/Syphilis testing
• Pregnancy testing
• Chlamydia/gonorrhoea screening
• Information and resources
• Outreach to the community venues
• Outreach and support for commercial sex workers
• Targeted work for most at risk populations (Young people, BME, MSM, CSW)
• Support for individuals and community groups
• Training and group work
• 1:1 support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Support for Schools to deliver RSE

Talk Sexual Health - (For Young People)

If you want a friendly ear about your sexual health, why not try Talk? Talk is a sexual health service exclusively for young people

Tel: 01482 291190

Web: https://talksexualhealth.co.uk/

Conifer House Sexual Health Clinical Service (CHCP)

Conifer provide a range of free and confidential sexual health services from a number of locations across the city for all ages.

Tel: 01482 247111  Tel: (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Website: https://conifersexhealth.co.uk/

Services include family planning and contraception, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, emergency contraception, women’s health services, men’s health services.

Self-care and National Support Services

NATIONAL SUPPORT

• Call the free Smokefree National Helpline to speak to a trained, expert adviser on 0300 123 1044. All lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm*.
• Smokefree has lots of free support this includes a smartphone app, email programme or text messages that will keep you focused wherever you are.
• You can also speak to your doctor, pharmacy team or local Stop Smoking Service for expert advice on stop smoking medicines.

SELF CARE

• Download the NHS Smokefree app from itunes or google play
• Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
• Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
• Millions have used Smokefree support to help them stop smoking. Choose from an app, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance. 

Emphasise that quitting will the best thing they will ever do and the NHS Smokefree service can provide the friendly and helpful support they need to quit for good

Local Support Services

 Smokefree Hull

SmokeFree Hull offers free advice and support for those looking to start their stop-smoking journey.

All interventions are tailored to need and delivered in community settings by SmokeFree Advisors and Specialist SmokeFree Advisors.

If you live in the city and want support to quit smoking please contact us.

Tel: 01482 977617

Email: hullstopsmoking.info@cgl.org.uk

Web: https://hullstopsmoking.org.uk/

 

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Although most people need some kind of social contact to maintain good mental health, everyone has different social needs. The person may be someone who is content with a few close friends, or they may need a large group of varied acquaintances to feel satisfied.

Loneliness in Older People

• The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  Call 0800 470 8090.  The Silver Line can also put you in contact with community activities in your local area

• Age UK has a befriending service to support loneliness in later life, this is where a volunteer visits an older person once a week in their own home.  There is also telephone befriending Telephone befriending, where a volunteer befriender will phone an older person.

• NHS Choices has a range of advice on Loneliness including volunteering, continuing education and how to engage with social media and computers.

Loneliness in Younger People

• It is recognised that Loneliness is not something that is exclusive to older adult, indeed many younger adults in particular can experience loneliness and a recent report from the office for national statistics highlighted Britain as the loneliness capital of Europe.  

• Whilst on the outside young people can be very well connected on social media but if this replaces face-to-face contact then it can add to a feeling of loneliness.  Some people also present an idealised version of themselves online and we expect to have social lives like those portrayed in the media.

• Helplines can reduce loneliness, at least in the short term

• The Samaritans are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This number is FREE to call on 116 123

• Get Connected is a free confidential helpline for young people, where people can seek help with emotional and mental health issues often linked to loneliness.

• There are also support services on websites such as Mind's that can remind you you're not alone.

• It doesn’t really matter who you talk to first. Some ideas would include: a friend, family member, anonymous listening service like Nightline or the Samaritans, student union welfare rep, personal tutor, students support services staff member, counsellor, or doctor. Decide who is the best person for you to talk to first. Be realistic about what each person can offer. If it doesn’t work out, try someone else. Talk to more than one person.

Local Support Services

Connect Well Hull

Provides appointments with Welfare Advisers and Wellbeing Co-ordinators in 27 locations across the city, including GP practices.

Wellbeing co-ordinators can assist you to access support and guidance including groups where you can try something new such as:

• Socialising
• Creative and cultural activities
• Support of management of your physical or emotional health needs

Plus ways to get active, including:

• Healthy living
• Dance
• Gardening
• Walking groups
• Wellbeing
• Exercise groups

Tel: 01482 217670

Web: www.connectwellhull.org.uk 

or email: enquiries@connectwellhull.org.uk

Men in Sheds 

Men's Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create,  The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, for groups of men to enjoy together and could be woodworking, cycle repairs, gardening, furniture renovation etc, depending on what the group is interested in. They are great places to spend time with others making social connections and are supportive of people with long term health conditions. 

For more information on the location and contact details for Men's Sheds in your local area see: www.meninshedshull.org

Children's Centres

If you want to give your child the best possible start in life, there are a wide range of services at our Children's Centres across Hull that can help.

Our Children's Centres are here to support you and your family and offer the following services:

• Family Support
• Ante/Post Natal care via Midwifery Service
• Play & Activity Sessions
• Healthy Lifestyle Sessions
• Training Courses
• Baby Massage Classes
• Breastfeeding Support
• Support for families of children with SEND
• Stop Smoking Clinics
• FareShare Food Collections
• Us Mums Exercise Sessions for during pregnancy and the postnatal period
• Training, Benefit & Employment Advice – support and funding
• Integrated Day Care & support to access 2 Year Old funding
• Parenting Courses
• Volunteering Opportunities
• Home Safety

To find out more information on your local Children’s Centre, please visit www.hull.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

NHS Stay well this Winter

Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That's why it's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell/

 

Self Care

Staying Warm

Age UK have produced a great that explains what you can do to get yourself and your home ready for winter, as well as where to go for more information and support. Download the guide from the link below

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig27_winter_wrapped_up_inf.pdf

Eating Well

Make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day to keep yourself warm, and keep active in the home if you can.

Visit NHS Choices for further ideas and information.

Wear warm clothes

Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layering clothing helps you stay warm as air is trapped between layers, keeping you insulated. Wearing layers of cotton or fleecy clothes is particularly effective.

Wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside and wear a hat or head scarf. If possible, stay inside during a cold spell if you have heart or respiratory problems. When indoors, wear well-fitting slippers with fleecy linings to keep your feet warm and to help prevent falls.

To keep warm when inside you could try:

• using a covered hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not at the same time!) to keep warm in bed
• wearing bed socks and warm night clothes

Keeping your home warm

Cold homes have a significant impact on your health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

If you have reduced mobility, are aged 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should:

• heat your home to at least 18^oC
• keep your bedroom at 18^oC all night

If you're aged under 65 and healthy, you can safely heat your home to cooler than 18^oC as long as you're comfortable.

Reducing fuel bills

See more about affordable warmth

Cold weather benefits

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born on or before 5 November 1953 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. You usually get a winter fuel payment automatically if you are eligible.

Web:

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £140 off your electricity bill if you either receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit, or
you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Staying Safe

Prevent falls in winter weather

One of the biggest risks from wintry weather is falling, particularly among older adults. Icy conditions make it harder to stay on your feet, and the cold may cause us to limit our activity, which can lead to loss of strength and balance.

• Here are some tips to help prevent falls:
• Wrap up to stay warm but make sure you can see in all directions and move easily and freely.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots with treads, even if you're just going out to get the newspaper.
• Do some light stretching before you venture out; it will make you physically more able to prevent a fall.
• Avoid walking on surfaces that may be icy if you can. If you can't, slow down, shorten your stride, walk with feet pointed out slightly and knees gently bent to improve grip and balance.
• Snow can hide curbs and uneven surfaces. If you can't see where your foot will land, find another way.
• Replace worn rubber ferrules on walking sticks, walking frames and crutches but remember that brakes on wheeled walkers may not be as effective on icy pavements so avoid unsalted ramps and slopes.
• Dry off shoes, sticks, crutches and walking frames as soon as you get indoors. Wet shoes on dry surfaces are just as dangerous as dry shoes on wet surfaces.
• Carry a cleaning cloth and stop immediately to clean your glasses if they fog up going from outdoors to indoors.
• Ask shops and your local council about options that might make it safer for you when conditions are bad e.g. delivering to your home or collecting the bin from beside your house instead of the end of your drive
• When in doubt, don't risk it. Ask for help if you don't feel safe doing something.

Local Support Services

Are You Ready for Winter

Web: http://www.hullcc.gov.uk/portal/page-_pageid=221,578593&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Many of us are not prepared for the impact winter can have on our health and wellbeing. Here are some tips to keep you and your family healthy and happy this winter

Self-care and National Support Services

If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life then phone 999, you should stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

Encourage them to ring:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Papyrus - (Young people)

Tel: 0800 068 41 41

Text: 07786209697

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Opening hours
Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm

Other options include:

• contact their GP for an emergency appointment or call the out of hours service.
• call their Mental Health worker, if they have one.
• call their social worker or key worker, if they have one 
• encourage to re-engage with mental health services if already engaged
• go through their Safety Plan with them

If they don’t want help, don’t push them. Sometimes it’s easy to want to try and fix a person’s problems, or give them advice but try and at least leave a couple of key telephone numbers with them for Samaritans any local support numbers for their area (Crisis teams etc).

It’s usually better for people to make their own decisions. Help them think of all the options, but leave the choice to them.

A person may not be suicidal but you may still be concerned

Encourage them to contact their GP, they will be familiar with their medical history and will be able to direct them appropriately which may include a referral to the Primary Care IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies).  IAPT team are skilled in helping people 18 years old and older overcome emotional and mental difficulties like:

• Depression.
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Confidence and self-esteem problems

All the local IAPT services are listed under the 'Mental Health' section of MECC Link and can be found within the 'local support and contact details' section. 

 

SELF CARE

• Hub of Hope - Postcode based directory of services

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking groups, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meeting take place throughout Yorkshire and the Humber

• A range of self-help guides can be accessed from this Mental Health in Manchester website

• A range of self-help techniques is available on the MindWell Leeds website, these include:
  
  • Stress
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Sleep
  • Self Harm
  • Having a baby

Local Support Services

If you become aware that someone has suicidal thoughts and is about to act on them contact the emergency services. Telephone 999. Stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.

Samaritans Hull Branch

Tel: 01482 323456 (local call charges apply) / 116 123 (this number is free to call)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/hull-samaritans

Visit our branch:

75 Spring Bank
Hull
HU3 1AG

Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
Mon/Tue/Wed: 8am-noon and 7-9pm
Thu/Fri: 7-9pm
Sat/Sun: 8am-noon

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust - Mental Health Advice and Support Line

Tel: For individuals in crisis: 0800 138 0990 (24hrs/7 days a week)

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Crisis Team Tel: 01482 335600